Editorial
The Chief Prince of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, Engineer Fred Mugenyi Ruchunya, has raised concern over the worsening health of King Solomon Iguru Gafabusa the First.
Mugenyi was speaking yesterday afternoon at a Babiito clan meeting at the Cultural Centre in Hoima City. He called on the people of Bunyoro to raise funds for the King’s treatment, saying his condition requires specialized medical care and that any delay could compromise his recovery.
His call follows the recent death of Tooro King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi the Fourth in the United States. Mugenyi said King Oyo’s death should remind cultural institutions to prioritize their leaders’ health.
He revealed that many Ugandans, including government officials, are willing to support the King’s treatment but efforts have stalled because the Kingdom has lacked recognized leadership for over two years, making it hard to coordinate support and decisions.
Worry on the Kings health
Mugenyi said Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom is deteriorating daily, with some groups forming breakaway kingdoms within Bunyoro amid internal disputes. He warned this division threatens the region’s cultural heritage and unity, and called for collaboration among clan leaders, elders and government to end the leadership crisis.
He added that he has begun restructuring the Kingdom’s leadership by appointing members of the Bunyoro Kitara Parliament, to be announced next Wednesday part of efforts to rebuild Orukurato and restore functional leadership.